They have a collections of rooms and suites, each is unique with highly imaginative combinations of colour, gorgeous fabrics and culture themed on Dutch history with touches of the orient. From raspberry and grey wall coverings with linen curtains and Asian influences to oriental-styled navy and black rooms with hand-painted kimonos.

Modern French cuisine is served up by a great chef in the Vinkeles restaurant. The cuisine is characterised by French dishes using seasonal ingredients both traditional and modern. The chefs’ signature dishes are “Ceviche of sea bass with croquettes of pumpkin and king crab” and “Roast Anjou pigeon with five spices and preserved young carrots and jus”. Long Gallery, Bar Barbou and the secluded garden are a collection of great places to eat.

Ride a bicycle around the most famous cycling city in Europe or hire a boat with your own captain for a private water tour. The hotel is in the heart of the city, close to the Nine Streets where a fascinating collection of shops sell everything from specialist cheeses to lingerie.

We enjoyed a few tourist activities including canal cruises, the Van Gogh Museum and the Nine Streets shopping spot. We didn’t make it to Anne Frank’s House or Vondelpark but plan to when we come back to Amsterdam.

Gaby was telling me we should also visit Dam Square and the Rijksmuseum … “two places worth a visit whilst in Amsterdam“. I have read someone else describe this hotel as “Perfect balance between historical pedigree and thoroughly modern attitude” and this is so true.

Located in the heart of Amsterdam Keizersgracht 384. 1016 GB Amsterdam. The Netherlands
The Dylan Hotel web site is http://www.slh.com/netherlands/amsterdam.

Love LXS Jenny

The Grande Laguna is on a 70-acre site in an integrated resort complex, and the Sheraton is 20 minutes south of Phuket international airport and downtown Phuket. Its just a two minutes drive or 5 minute bike ride from a Laguna golf club. The three bronze heads of buddha, known as wat phra nag sang, are five miles away. Mai khao bay and khoa phra thaeo wildlife park are 10 minutes away and ton sai waterfalls are 20 minutes away.

The Sheraton grand Laguna facilities and activities are for the special couple or the complete family. A few of these ammenities include:

• a beautiful 323 metre outdoor pool;
• a game area with life size chess pieces,
• restaurants – Birds of Paradise, Gekko, Lagoon Dining …;
• table tennis and pool tables;
• health spa;
• water sports on the lagoon and by the beach;
• shopping arcade;
• fitness / sports club;
• business centre and meeting facilities;
• hair-dressing salon;
• cyber zone;
• kids club;
• and floodlit tennis courts.

The dining opportunities and atmospehere are amazing. the Phuket resort brings its guests a world of exciting gastronomic delights, from spicy thai curries to tempting italian dishes and freshly harvested seafood, served in nine restaurants and bars situated throughout the resort’s island. We also travelled to Phatong Beach which is 21 kilometres drive and two nights running ate at the Patong Seafood Restaurant. Take an evening stroll along the lively strip opposite the beach and you’ll find dozens of open-air seafood restaurants displaying their catch of the day on ice out front.

Sheraton describes … “Retreat to a space that is spacious, elegant, and filled with opulence. Individual design traits pay homage to the surroundings – a unique opportunity for those wishing to truly experience our culture“. Comprising 297 spacious rooms offering garden, lagoon, pool, or ocean views and, a further 126 Grande Villas. In addition to standard amenities, the luxury guestrooms are 45 square metres, and feature private balconies, raised or sunken bathtubs and spacious sitting areas, scenic views of the lagoon, pool and tropical gardens.

The Sheraton grand Laguna Phuket offers a luxury experience where activity and fun can complement peace and tranquility.

Sheraton Phuket Grand Laguna Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket is located 21 kilometres south of Phuket International Airport and 20 kilometres north of Phuket Town. Address: 10 Moo 4, Cherng Talay, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand

Love LXS Gaby

You see, Living Well is the full-service spa tucked inside Sydney’s fabulously refurbished Hilton Hotel.  I knew we’d be spending all day I booked the 1/2 hour Revive package before leaving my room. For the first time, I justified the cost of soothing my weary feet in Rosemary, Eucalyptus and Grapefruit as a bona-fide business necessity!

We knew we had made a great decision as we entered the Living Well Sensory Spa. The person on-duty in Sensory Spa I think her name was Cass took suggested I try the 2 ½-hour Beauty Flash treatment instead. Committed to my wellbeing, she explained that along with my de-stressing foot treatment, I’d also receive a thorough back, neck and shoulder massage and a classic facial. My feet weren’t the only part of my body that sore from shopping and the thought of all that pampering was simply irresistible. So I agreed without hesitation.

The time was bliss, the treatment room magical. The aroma the music. I left the private treatment room feeling better than I’ve felt in a long time. On my way out Cass handed me a spa menu and invited me to return soon to indulge in another of the spa’s treatment packages. Hand and foot treatments, hot stone massages, sea salt scrubs, aromatherapy massages, clay body wraps, waxing treatments, manicures and pedicures await both men and women.

But what’s even better is that you don’t have to be a hotel guest to take advantage of all that the Living Well Sensory Spa has to offer. All you need is time and whatever motivation you need to justify this truly satisfying experience.

When we finally set the date to get married, I am definitely coming back here.

Hilton Living Well Sensory Spa is located 255 Pitt St. Sydney NSW 2000.

Love LXS Gaby.

We treated each other to an early Christmas present (booking well in advance) to a treatment in the luxurious Salus per Aquum Spa. There is a truly wide range of treatments offered here, including massages, hydrotherapy, body wraps, waxing, facials and much more. I was pampered with an hour long facial while my wife Erica had a fully body wrap.

We had Christmas dinner at Vanitas, overlooking a shimmering lagoon, This is where we had an fabulous dinner and entertained by a very knowledgable sommelier complementing an exceptional wine selection in a chic atmosphere. Vanitas brings you the ultimate in dining, offering innovative cuisine specialising in only the best. Our entrees Seared Queensland Scallops on a salad of feta, snow peas, cucumber and cabbage with a citrus vinaigrette and crisp pork crackling and a Lobster ragout with smoked duck breast, baby carrots, asparagus and rockmelon in a crustacean broth. My mouthing is watering.

After dinner we return to our room to find a tiny Versace gift, our bed turned down and chocolates on the pillow.
On Boxing Day we relaxed by the lagoon, lucky for us there is the Pool bar. This was definitely a memorable Christmas holiday. As we check out we agreed we would definitely be back.

Enjoy LXS Jeremiah

Palazzo Versace is located Sea World Drive, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Queensland.

Werribee Mansion has been described as “a magnificent Italianate-style mansion“. Built in 1877, it is testament to the status and success of prominent pastoralists. The mansion offers a great getaway in a beautifully restored grandeur of the 19th century mansion offering an amazingly rich and wonderful history.

Exquisitely restored to its former glory, the mansion is adorned with elaborate rooms including the ground floor reception, bedrooms, billiard room and kitchen wing providing a rare glimpse into the grandiose lifestyle of a bygone era. The opulent taste of the Chirnside family is highlighted with an impressive selection of original decor, particularly the crystal chandeliers, giant gilt-framed mirrors and patterned Minton tiled flooring in the entrance area and upstairs balcony.

Werribee Park offers a beautiful heritage attraction offering a diverse range of experiences in one location. Surrounded by 10 hectares of majestic formal gardens, they include the internationally recognised Victoria State Rose Garden, contemporary sculpture walk, tranquil Werribee River and original farmyard. The is the perfect location for a full day out with family and friends.

Apart from the natural and cultural treasures is Josephs Restaurant. We had an amazing dinner the only difficulty was choosing from the enticing menu. The food was delicious and service very friendly. This is more than a mansion, it is the perfect setting for a getaway with a difference and only it is only 30 minutes from Melbourne.

One of the special memories of Werribee Mansion is the knowledge that we stayed in a unique hotel, tasteful finishings, and quality surroundings.

The Sofitel Werribee Manor is located in Werribee Park, K Road, Werribee, Victoria, Australia, 3030